This Once-Popular Bathroom Design Feature Is Gaining Momentum Again

Decorating trends, much like those in fashion or beauty, are inherently subjective, with some trends sparking widespread enthusiasm while others elicit groans. A recent resurgence in the design world is the '80s architectural element of glass blocks. This revival is seen by some designers as a welcome, and perhaps even anticipated, return. Dallas designer Jena Salmon notes that the return of '80s aesthetics has been evident in fashion and design for several years, characterized by specific colors, clean lines, and a sense of home and togetherness. She believes in drawing inspiration from various eras in her design work. Interior designer Jena Salmon, based in Dallas, and Olivia Westbrooks, an Atlanta-based interior designer who also hosts Hallmark+'s "Home Is Where the Heart Is," offer their perspectives on this trend. Salmon champions glass blocks as a smart and versatile design solution. She acknowledges the negative perception often associated with glass blocks but highlights their benefits, especially in modern bathrooms. She points out that while many contemporary showers feature clear glass, which can make individuals feel exposed, glass blocks offer a solution by providing privacy without sacrificing natural light. This allows for an open feel in a space while maintaining a sense of seclusion. Salmon is currently incorporating glass blocks into a project for a bathroom and sauna room, appreciating how light interacts with them, creating a dynamic visual effect. She also suggests that glass blocks can seamlessly integrate into both modern and traditional bathroom designs and serve as an affordable alternative to sheetrock, introducing decorative and textural elements to a space. Conversely, not all designers are enthusiastic about the return of glass blocks. Atlanta designer Olivia Westbrooks expresses a more reserved opinion. Despite her involvement in a television design show focused on nostalgia and reimagining interior architecture, she prefers to leave glass blocks in the past. Westbrooks attributes her reluctance to the association of glass blocks with "bad '80s movies" and the imagery of baggy suits and mullets, suggesting some design elements are best left undisturbed. However, she does entertain the possibility of reconsidering the trend if it were reimagined with a modern twist, specifically mentioning a pink interpretation. Ultimately, the article concludes by emphasizing the cyclical nature of home design trends. It suggests that all design elements eventually make a comeback, reinforcing the idea that individuals should feel empowered to decorate their homes according to their personal preferences, regardless of current trends or prevailing opinions. #BathroomDecor #GlassBlocks #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #80sRevival #HomeDecorIdeas #ArchitecturalElements

After years of neutral and minimalist design trends, a vibrant shift is occurring in home decor, particularly within bathrooms. Homeowners and designers are increasingly embracing color and pattern, moving away from the subdued aesthetics that have dominated for decades. This resurgence of interest is prominently seen in the revival of retro-inspired bathroom tiles, bringing a fresh, personality-driven approach to interior spaces. Data from Yelp's 2026 Home & Living Trend Report supports this growing enthusiasm, revealing a significant 351% surge in searches for tile contractors. This indicates a widespread desire among consumers to undertake home projects that incorporate varied textures, bold colors, and intricate patterns. Furthermore, searches for eye-catching wall tile installation have risen by 35%, underscoring the trend towards using tile as a focal point to inject new life and character into homes. Tara Lewis, a Yelp Trend Expert, emphasizes the inherent versatility of tile, noting that options range from glossy zellige and earthy terracotta to vibrant hues and playful designs, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. Lewis highlights that even small-scale tiling projects, such as a colorful shower niche or a bold backsplash, can create a substantial visual impact without requiring a significant financial investment. Designers are offering innovative ways to integrate this retro tile trend into modern bathrooms, ensuring an updated and elevated feel. One approach involves creating seemingly 'random' patterns by using the same square tiles in multiple colors. This technique generates visual interest and an effortless, sophisticated look, departing from traditional checkerboard styles. Another method is to select tiles with naturally nuanced coloration, such as glazed cotto series, which can produce an almost watercolor-like effect, adding depth and uniqueness to graphic patterns. This can be combined with solid bases and all-white floors to allow the patterned shower walls to stand out as a central design element. Mixing colorful tiles with patterned wallpaper is another strategy to achieve an extra pop of personality. For instance, using pink tiles in a shower surround can create a color block effect when paired with complementary scalloped wallpaper in the rest of the room. Preserving and enhancing the original charm of historic homes is also a key aspect of this trend. Designers are drawing inspiration from architectural heritage, selecting tiles that complement existing structures while introducing clean, bright, and easy-to-maintain surfaces. For example, beveled ceramic subway tiles in rich forest green can offer a playful contrast with plum accents, adding a refined yet unexpected burst of color that feels both classic and contemporary. The trend also encourages mixing different tile styles and sizes. A bathroom can successfully combine varying types and scales of tiles—such as black wall tiles echoing smaller black squares in the floor—provided there is a cohesive element that connects them. This approach allows for creative experimentation with scale and texture. Additionally, designers are advocating for floor-to-ceiling tiling to create a wallpaper-like effect. This technique, especially with patterned encaustic tiles, can visually expand the space and serve as a distinctive backdrop. The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Reports support this, noting that 68% of designers anticipate backsplashes evolving into bold, statement-making features through unique textures, materials, and colors. Power clashing tiles by combining different patterns within the same color palette can result in a highly dynamic and fun aesthetic. By maintaining a tight color range, designers can mix patterns more freely, such as checkerboard tile patterns with complementary wallpaper. Finally, using bright tiles in a dark bathroom can significantly enhance the space, particularly in areas lacking natural light. Cladding the entire space with small-scale mosaics, for example, can create a visual punch that makes the room feel more expansive and exciting. Integrating rich materials like custom oak vanities and quartzite stone tops can further prevent the design from appearing overly whimsical, striking a balance between vibrant aesthetics and sophisticated refinement. These diverse approaches demonstrate the versatility and impact of retro-inspired tile in contemporary bathroom design. #RetroTile #BathroomDesign #TileTrends #HomeDecor #ColorfulTiles #PatternedTiles #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #TileInspiration